Thursday, January 29, 2009

Optimism: Sit it out... or dance?








Sometimes I listen to Country music, especially driving home from work.

One of the things I like about Country is the depth of some of the lyrics. Country has its fair share of “s/he-broke-my-heart” songs, but once in a while an artist captures an insight or two that’s memorable or even inspiring.

Once such song, written by Lee Ann Womack, topped both the Country and Adult Contemporary charts in 2000. It was called “I Hope You Dance.”

What appeals to me in the song is the author’s call for optimism and action.

The line that introduces the chorus says, “…and when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance!”

Lee Ann entices the listener with her words, but in the end she knows that each of us must make a choice: sit it out or dance.

Songs like this have inspired me to take risks.



Some may say, “Life’s a bitch.” And they’ll find evidence to prove their point.

Others would say, “Life’s a dance. And they’ll find evidence to prove their point.

I’m going with option number two, and I do my best not to sit on the sidelines of life. When I get the choice… I dance!

How about you?



Listen to Lee Ann sing the song here.



Or just read the full lyrics below:

I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty-handed
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance, I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin' might mean takin' chances, but they're worth takin'
Lovin' might be a mistake, but it's worth makin'
Don't let some hell-bent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to sellin' out, reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance, I hope you dance
I hope you dance, I hope you dance
(Time is a wheel in constant motion, always rolling us along
Tell me who wants to look back on their years
And wonder, where those years have gone)

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

Dance, I hope you dance
I hope you dance, I hope you dance
I hope you dance, I hope you dance
(Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along
Tell me who wants to look back on their years
And wonder where those years have gone)

7 comments:

  1. One of my all time favorite songs Don! As a huge country music fan, I often find lyrics in the songs that inspire, depress or cause me to think. I like that about the genre. I used to NEVER dance, but I am now...at 55, I am taking more risks, having more fun and loving...more than ever! Life...don't sit it out! Lisa

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  2. Having always had the co-ordination of a Pelham Puppet I've never been one for dancing but I like the sentiment.
    We used to have a country music channel in the UK (on cable) but they took it away - meanies.

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  3. Oh! Oh! *raises hand wildly* Pick me!!

    Okay. :) I watched the Tyler Perry movie 'The Family That Preys' last weekend, and this song is featured in it!! Yay! I love coincidences.

    Also, I was speaking with a good friend recently, discussing a quote she had found about people typically only searching for evidence that confirms their notions or beliefs. It's true. (It doesn't negate truth, but it reveals more about human nature, that's for sure)

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  4. My mother once told me that this was my song from her and many a time she would remind me to dance...many a time; I can still hear her telling me.

    You know what? I'm dancing, right now it's a slow steady dance...with a few twirly-whirls here and there (in my heart...in my life...in my soul...in my spirit) and God leads me.

    ...and thank you for the reminder of this song (which is not a coincedence, but is definately purposely placed by our Father) Don't you just love how He touches lives through us? I sure do. It blessed all ♥

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  5. I choose to dance as well. Life is how we make it. Either we can grasp His hand and dance, or choose to walk to other side sitting it out.
    This is a beautiful song with much meaning. Have you noticed that more and more of the country artists are starting to sing more inspirational songs. God is good.

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  6. I came here after Heather informed me of your blog. She had mentioned you were a Special Ed Teacher. I have a blog on mental illnesses asking for information on Apergers as to how to help children with this disorder. Do you have any information or sites I can visit to aide in how to work with children with this type of disorder. We just found out that our 8 year old grand son has this, and he's been a handful. Any information you may have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you and God Bless,
    Tammy

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  7. A wonderful song. I gave the CD and the framed words to my daughter at her graduation from high school. Such a perfect piece of inspiration as they continue their journey of life.


    Gloria

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